Theo Walcott, Laurent Koscielny and Gervinho have been rested entirely by the Frenchman because of small injuries, but apart from that the starting line-up is fairly strong.

Former Southampton youngster – who was named earlier today in the England Under-21 squad for next week – is among the starters and partners experienced midfielders Mikel Arteta, Andrey Arshavin and Tomas Rosicky.